EPA names Cemex USA Energy Star Partner of the Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named CemexUSA a 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. CEMEX’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony later this month in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2009.

Cemex USA, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2004, will be honored for strategic energy management and a commitment to save energy across its entire operation that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. Cemex decreased its total energy use equal to reducing 115,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to providing electricity to at least 1,500 American homes for a decade or avoiding about 21,000 passenger vehicles’ CO2 emissions for a year.

Besides serving as an active Energy Star Partner, Cemex also has an Energy Management Program in place, employs a Corporate Energy Management Team and a Site Energy Team at each plant, has received numerous local and national energy and environmental awards, and is a strong advocate for energy conservation and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The 2009 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 organizations.

“This is one of the highest awards we have received from the EPA and we are honored to be among the select few,” said Gilberto Perez, President of Cemex USA, in a press release. “This is a testament to our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and demonstrates great strides towards achieving this essential goal.”

In 2008, five Cemex cement plants received U.S. EPA Energy Star certifications for superior energy and environmental performance (Clinchfield, Ga.; Davenport, Calif.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; and Wampum, Pa), the most certifications received in 2008 by a U.S. cement company. In 2007, three Cemex cement plants received the certifications. It is these plants’ equipment and their cement manufacturing processes that are recognized with the ENERGY STAR.

“EPA is pleased to recognize Cemex USA for leadership in addressing global warming through greater energy efficiency,” said Kathleen Hogan, director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the U.S. EPA in a written statement. “Because commercial and industrial facilities account for about half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, Cemex’s efforts are vital to protecting our global environment.”

Last year, Americans saved $19 billion with the help of ENERGY STAR on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles.

Cemex is a growing global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Cemex has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.Cemexusa.com

Energy Star was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are Energy Star partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.govor call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).